By Greg FarrarCherelle Demps, Liberty High School senior guard, draws a blocking foul from Interlake senior Adriana Cottle during the second quarter Jan. 23. Demps had a game- and season-high 20 points.

As Liberty senior Cherelle Demps took the starting tipoff position in Friday’s game against Interlake, she paused for a moment to reflect. Read more

By Greg FarrarRomney Noel, Liberty High School senior, looks at the referee while working to get Highline’s Connor Shea into a pin during their 182-pound wrestling bout Jan. 16. Noel got the fall at 1:47.

When the Liberty High School wrestling team hit the mats last Friday, they were tackling more than their opponents. Read more

The Skyline High School boys swimming and diving team missed out on a dual-meet victory against Redmond by the slimmest of margins.

However, the Spartans’ consolation prize might have been more valuable.

By Greg FarrarWilliam O’Daffer, Skyline High School freshman, swims the breaststroke leg of his his 200-yard individual medley race, finishing second in a time of 2 minutes, 3.51 seconds, within 31-hundredths of getting a state berth.

The result of the Jan. 13 KingCo Conference dual at Redmond Pool hinged on the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, and the Mustangs edged the Spartans for first place by 12 one-hundredths of a second, giving them the points they needed for a 95-90 victory. Read more

The Issaquah boys swim and dive team may have lost their dual meet Jan. 15 to Bellevue, but head coach Laura Halter still sees the results in a positive light.

By Greg FarrarBrandon Leu, Issaquah High School freshman, races to a second place in the 200-yard freestyle race with a time of 1 minute, 49.58 seconds against Bellevue Jan. 15 at Mary Wayte Pool on Mercer Island.

“Bellevue is one of the top teams in KingCo 3A and doesn’t count toward the standing,” she said of the 4A Eagles. “But they are good competition for us. I think they’ll be one of the top contenders at 3A.” Read more

Rivalry lives up to the hype as Skyline wins thriller over Issaquah

A lot of hyperbole can emerge from a contest between two big rivals. But the Jan. 9 matchup between Issaquah and Skyline high schools lived up to the hype.

By Greg FarrarTrevon Ary-Turner (left), Issaquah High School sophomore guard, tries to score as Skyline junior forward Braden Ahlemeyer steals in desperation time for both teams, tied 63-all with four minutes remaining. After being tied again at 68-all with 2:33 remaining, Skyline pulled ahead for good and won, 76-73.

A packed house at the Eagles home court witnessed a seesaw battle with the Spartans emerging victorious, 76-73, giving second-ranked Issaquah its first league loss of the season. Issaquah head coach Jason Griffith credited the Spartans with playing a truly memorable game.

Demps twins lead in 63-52 victory over Lake Washington

The 2014-2015 Liberty High School girls basketball team has many strengths.

By Greg FarrarDanielle Demps (right), Liberty High School senior guard, bats a rebound out of the clutches of Lake Washington junior forward Georigia Romaine-Black during the first quarter of their Jan. 7 basketball game. Demps was team-high scorer with 18, one more than twin sister Cherelle.

Quickness, athleticism and a familiarity built through a core of players that have played together since fifth grade, are among them.

Head coach Dexter Beckstead was honest about his feelings after the Eastlake Wolves walked away with a 39-27 victory over plateau rival Skyline HIgh School in a Jan. 8 wrestling meet.

By Greg FarrarAdrian Abraham (left), Skyline High School senior, and Eastlake senior James Jensen struggle early for a takedown early in their 160-pound bout, as a foretaste of an evenly fought match with near-falls for both. It was won by Abraham, 20-13.

“It’s one of those situations where you win, but you don’t have a sense of accomplishment because there’s so many forfeits,” Beckstead said.

By Greg FarrarJason Crandall (20), Issaquah High School junior guard, scores and is fouled by Jace Goforth, of Newport, during the third quarter of their Jan. 3 basketball game. Issaquah won, 56-47.

By Greg FarrarTanner Davis, Issaquah High School sophomore forward, takes an off-balance shot at the basket and scores during the fourth quarter in the Eagles’ Jan. 3 game against Newport. Issaquah won, 56-47.

By Greg FarrarScott Kellum (23), Issaquah High School junior guard, lifts the basketball up to the net while being defended by Newport’s Calvin Throckmorton (left) and Cole Ruud Johnson during the fourth quarter of their Jan. 3 game. Issaquah won, 56-47.

By Greg FarrarTyler Gibson (3), Issaquah High School senior guard, takes aim at the hoop as he is defended by Newport senior Ryan Kingma during the fourth quarter of their Jan. 3 basketball game. Issaquah won, 56-47.